These Easy Refried Beans are a must-have for anyone who loves Mexican or Tex-Mex food. Made with creamy, mashed pinto beans and rich, down-home flavor, this classic side dish is quick to prepare and perfect for tacos, burritos, tostadas and any fiesta spread. It’s no wonder these homemade refried beans are one of my all-time favorite Mexican side dishes.

Easy Refried Beans Recipe

At one of our favorite local Mexican restaurants they have a super simple approach to refried beans. They begin with lard and salt, a touch of garlic and that’s pretty much all they do to them. I love them and always order them with my entrée whether it’s I’m having tacos, a taco salad or enchiladas each time we visit. Even though they’re simple, the creamy texture is so pleasing.

When I make refried beans at home I like to add my own twist to them and season to our liking. I skip the lard and start with bacon drippings and butter. I also add sweet onion and then have fun adding the seasonings we like. I find it’s best to use canned pinto beans that have few seasonings in them giving me the opportunity to personalize them myself. Doing so, adds just the right amount of spice and they’re finished with cheese for the crowning touch. Whether they’re enjoyed as a side dish or a quick dip with tortilla chips they’re sure to make a delicious addition to your menu.

Checkout this quick list of key ingredients you’ll need to make Refried Beans: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

Canned Beans – Pinto beans are classic for refried beans.
Onion – Sweet onion or white onion for a hint of oinion flavor.
Fat – I use bacon drippings and butter to give the beans a smoky flavor.
Liquid – Taco sauce adds flavor and thins the texture of the beans.
Spices – Chili powder, ground cumin, lemon pepper, garlic salt.
Cheese – Shredded monterey jack cheese for a melty cheesy flavor.

How to Make the Best Refried Beans Recipe

Sauté Onion – In a heavy bottomed skillet over medium-high heat cook the onion in the butter and bacon drippings until the onion has softened.
Beans and Seasonings – Stir in the beans, taco sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic salt and lemon pepper.
Mash the Beans – Use a potato masher to mash the beans until smooth, leaving some chunks.
Simmer – Lower the heat and cook per the cook time in the recipe.
Cheese – Add cheese to the beans, stir until melted. Sprinkle the remaining on top.
Serve immediately.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Cheesy Refried Beans

A large skillet. I use cast iron.
Knife and cutting board.
Cheese grater.
Measuring cups and spoons.
Potato masher or fork. You could also use an immersion blender or ladle into a food processor.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Pinto Beans – You could make these refried beans with leftover cooked pinto beans. When doing so, consider the seasonings used in the beans and make any adjustments to the spices in the recipe as needed.
Black Beans – You could adapt this recipe using black beans. When doing so, drain and rinse the black beans in a colander and increase the amount of taco sauce as needed.
Bacon Drippings – You can use vegetable oil or olive oil in place of bacon grease.
Onion – You can use Vidalia onion, white onion or yellow onion for a stronger onion flavor.
Peppers – You could add finely diced jalapeño pepper or poblano pepper along with the onion.
Taco Sauce – You can use mild, medium or hot taco sauce.
Cheese – You could use colby jack cheese or pepper jack cheese for a little heat.
Garlic Salt – You can use plain salt and garlic powder in place of garlic salt.
Consistency – You can fully customize the texture to your taste. I like leaving some chunks for texture but you can puree them until they’re completely smooth, if that’s your preference.
Serving Options – Serve these beans with tortilla chips as a dip or as a side dish for tacos, enchiladas, fajitas or burritos for a homemade fiesta any night of the week.

Storage and Leftovers

Make-Ahead Tip – You can make these beans up to 2 days in advance and store them chilled in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Leftovers – Store leftover Refried Beans in an airtight contain chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating – Reheat over medium-low heat in a skillet on the stovetop or individual servings in the microwave and top with cheese just before serving.
Freezer – Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving.

More Southern Style Beans Recipes to Make

Beans are a stellar choice whether you serve them as an entree or a side dish, More recipes that feature beans you may like to make:

Pinto Bean Cakes are a tasty way to stretch leftover pinto beans into a round two meal.
Homemade Baked Beans topped with bacon for flavor.
Easy 5 Bean Salad can be made several days in advance and chilled until serving.
Old fashioned Calico Beans is an easy casserole perfect for your next potluck.
Kicked-up Bean Dip perfect for game day.
Easy Southern Succotash is filled with corn, baby lima beans and cherry tomatoes.
My Beef and Bean Tostada Skillet is always a hit.
For more fiesta bean recipes checkout this recipe for Instant Pot Charro Beans from Tastes Better From Scratch.

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